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quick picks in children's educational toys
Our picks in children's toys
 In order to provide
our readers with ratings for the products that we
review, we put software, games, toys, and other
products through a number of tests, not the least of which
involves hands-on testing with real children and their
parents. We strive to make some sense out of the
seemingly endless choices parents face when looking
for worthwhile products for their children, and
attempt to consider the many factors involved that
determine whether a product stands out as superior.
When selecting toys to recommend to our readers, we
look for those that possess outstanding play value.
Products that engage children's minds as they play
earn higher ratings, and include toys that:
- are age-appropriate;
- are durable, safe,
and childproof;
- have high replay
value and that are expected to delight over time;
and
- inspire children to
think, imagine, and learn as they play.
The following are our quick
picks—excellent children's educational toy choices for families: (See
also our quick picks in children's music
and software).
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Infant to Toddler:
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LeapFrog
Interactive Learn & Groove Musical Table
"Highly
interactive electronic toy, just right for babies who
have begun to stand as well as young toddlers. Plenty of
learning activities to keep young children busy. Ages
9 months to 2 years." -- The
Review Corner. 
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Neurosmith Music Blocks
"This unique smart toy is a digital stereo that allows
children to experiment with different phrases and arrangements of music by arranging
colorful — and musical — blocks in a variety of ways. Children will
learn some basic musical notation as well as shapes and colors as they create
unique and orchestral-quality melodies. Music Blocks is truly outstanding!" -- The
Review Corner. 
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| Preschoolers:
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Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
"This realistic cash register boasts life-size play
money and a solar-powered calculator that really works, adding up to hours of
pretend play and practical math lessons at the same time. This is a sensible
and durable toy that grows with a child." -- The
Review Corner.
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LeapPad Plus Writing
"... is a surprisingly versatile, battery-operated unit that
makes specially-designed books "come alive" with sound.This electronic toy gives children the empowering ability to have text read
aloud whenever they need help, supporting independent learning as they refine
reading skills. Kids can then expand on their learning with interactive quizzes
and games.
But, learning is not limited to developing reading skills. Depending on the
book inserted into the LeapPad, children learn, in an interactive fashion,
about musical instruments, foreign languages, science, geography, and math.
This "plus" system incorporates writing into
the learning process. Outstanding!" -- The
Review Corner.
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Leapster L-Max
"This
handheld, portable learning system is the answer for young children who
love video games, and for families concerned about quality play time.
The games available for the system are interactive and educational, and
children control the action using the multidirectional pad and the
attached touch-sensitive stylus pen. L-Max games can be played
wirelessly or the unit can be plugged into the television and played
that way. Ages 3-8" Note: The Leapster L-Max is an update of the
Leapster. Main difference between the L-Max and original Leapster: The
L-Max is a portable system that can also be plugged into the television
so that kids can play the games both on or off the television.
-- The
Review Corner.
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| Kids Ages 6 and up:
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Explorer Globe
"This sophisticated interactive globe will impress
every member of the family with its elegant yet functional design, its remarkable
content, and its exciting games. The talking globe is an exceptionally effective
tool for learning and reinforcing geography facts. Skip the Explorer Globe Jr.
and get this one as a special treat for the whole
family--you won't be disappointed. Ages 4-up." -- The
Review Corner.
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96 Piece Geomag Pastel Set "Open-ended creativity and a little lesson in polarity
is possible with this excellent building toy that captures and sustains children's
interest over time. The beauty of the
Geomag line of building toys lies in its endless
combinations and the timeless appeal of magnets! Geomag sets are comprised only
of spheres and colorful rods, but the creativity they inspire is far from simple.
Children can build basic objects or complex mathematical models with Geomag,
and most will spend a lot of time fascinated with the set's possibilities.
Ages 5-up." -- The
Review Corner.
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Cranium Cadoo for Kids
"This kid-version of a popular board game draws out
the natural energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of children with a fun combination
of active play and thinking challenges. It succeeds at getting kids to use their
heads as they have a great time interacting with each other. Cadoo plays like a delightful mix of favorite
games — it has elements of charades, tic-tac-toe, and Pictionary, for example.
The result is a game that has enough variety to entertain children for hours,
and to exercise their brains in creative ways. Ages 7-up." -- The
Review Corner.
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Leap Frog Quantum Pad Learning System "This battery-operated system features a unit that opens like a book and allows
children to interact with the pages using a "magic pen". Those familiar with
its LeapPad cousin will recognize that the Quantum Pad features
a more "mature" look—and rightly so. This educational toy is designed for
children in grades three to five.
With its included sampler
book and add-on books (sold separately), it provides plenty of opportunities
for kids to learn and reinforce skills in fundamental subjects in a manner that
is equally entertaining and educational.
Ages 7-11" -- The
Review Corner.
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All products are rated
on a 5-star system. Any product with a 4.5 or 5 star
rating receives our Award of Excellence.
- 5 stars —
Outstanding, highly recommended
- 4.5 stars —
Very Good, highly recommended
- 3.5 or 4 stars
— Recommended, with some reservations (as noted
in the body of the review)
- 3 stars or less
— Not recommended
See also: Quick
Picks in Children's Music Quick
Picks in Children's Software
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